Illuminated dancing pole and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A dancing pole has a center spine unit. At least one fiber-optic cable is coupled to the center spine unit to illuminate the dancing pole. An outer sleeve is placed over the center spine unit and the at least one fiber-optic cable. The outer sleeve is transparent to allow the light from the at least one fiber-optic cable to illuminate the dancing pole. Mounting rings are coupled to an upper and lower section of the center spine unit to provide mounting and structural support for the dancing pole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to dancing accessories, and moreparticularly, to an illuminated dancing pole and method therefore.

2. Background Information

Dancing poles are becoming a popular dancing accessory across thecountry. Many individuals, gyms and clubs are installing dancing polesfor a variety of different reasons. In general, pole dancing has becomea popular way of spicing up one's romance, gaining a little selfconfidence and getting into shape. In fact, pole dancing or stripteaseaerobics has become one of the newest and fastest growing forms ofexercise. Pole dancing or striptease aerobics incorporates sensual dancemoves and pole work. The strength and coordination one gains combinedwith the added bonus of eroticism makes for a great workout.

Dancing poles have not changed much since they first came into being. Ingeneral, most dancing poles are made of metal. The dancing poles aregenerally attached to the floor/stage and ceiling of a room by afriction or bolted mounting unit. While current dancing poles do work,they have several drawbacks. First, the dancing poles are made of metaland thus are cold and hard to move and transport due to the weight ofeach dancing pole. Furthermore, in many clubs, the lighting is very darkso it is difficult to see the dancing pole.

Therefore, a need exists to provide a device and method to overcome theabove problem. The device and method will provide a lightweight dancingpole. The device and method will provide a light weight dancing polewhich is illuminated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a dancingpole is disclosed. The dancing pole has a center spine unit. At leastone fiber-optic cable is coupled to the center spine unit to illuminatethe dancing pole. An outer sleeve is placed over the center spine unitand the at least one fiber-optic cable. The outer sleeve is transparentto allow the light from the at least one fiber-optic cable to illuminatethe dancing pole. Mounting rings are coupled to an upper and lowersection of the center spine unit to provide mounting and structuralsupport for the dancing pole.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, adancing pole is disclosed. The dancing pole has a center spine unit. Aplurality of fiber-optic cables is coupled to the center spine unit toilluminate the dancing pole. An outer sleeve is placed over the centerspine unit and the fiber-optic cables. The outer sleeve is transparentto allow the light from the fiber-optic cables to illuminate the dancingpole. A protective substrate is placed over exposed portions of thefiber-optic cables. The protective substrate is positioned between theouter sleeve and the center spine unit. A plurality of holding devicesis used to secure the fiber-optic cables to the exterior surface of thecenter spine unit. Mounting rings are coupled to an upper and lowersection of the center spine unit to provide mounting and structuralsupport for the dancing pole.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, adancing pole is disclosed. The dancing pole has a center spine unithaving a plurality of openings. At least one fiber-optic cable is placedin an interior section of the center spine unit. The at least onefiber-optic cable is flush mounted to one of the plurality of openingsto illuminate the dancing pole. Mounting rings coupled to an upper andlower section of the center spine unit to provide mounting andstructural support for the dancing pole.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently invarious embodiments of the present inventions or may be combined in yetother embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the dancing pole of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a magnified front view of the dancing pole depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a magnified view of the fiber-optic cable used in the dancingpole of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of another embodiment of the dancing is pole ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 is a magnified front view of the dancing pole depicted in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dancing pole 10 of a first embodiment isshown. The dancing pole 10 is comprised of a center spine unit 12. Thecenter spine unit 12 is an elongated pole having a hollow interior. Thecenter spine unit 12 provides the structural support for the dancingpole 10. The center spine unit 12 is made of a lightweight but sturdymaterial. In general, the center spine unit 12 is comprised of a metalsuch as aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, or the like. Thelisting of the above is given as an example and should not be seen as tolimit the scope of the present invention.

One or more fiber-optic cables 14 are coupled to the center spine unit12. The fiber-optic cables 14 are used to illuminate the dancing pole10. As shown in FIG. 3, each fiber-optic cable 14 is comprised of atubing 14A. The tubing 14A is generally made out of glass orPolymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA), which is a clear plastic used as ashatterproof replacement for glass. One end of the fiber-optic cable 14is coupled to a light source 16. The fiber-optic cable 14 will transmita light signal from the light source from one end of the fiber-opticcable 14 to another in order to illuminate the outer surface of thedancing pole 10. The light signal travels through the interior core 14Bof the fiber-optic cable 14 by constantly bouncing from cladding 14Clining the interior of the interior core 14B. Cladding 14C is areflective lining which causes the light signal to constantly bounce, aprinciple called total internal reflection. Since the cladding 14C doesnot absorb any light from the interior core 14B, the light signal cantravel great distances.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the fiber-optic cables 14 may bemounted to the center spine unit 12 in a number of different manners. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fiber-opticcables 14 are placed in the hollow interior of the center spine unit 12.A plurality of openings 18 is formed in the exterior surface of thecenter spine unit 12. An end of one of the fiber-optic cables 14 will beplaced through each of the plurality of openings 18. The light signalwill travel to each end of the fiber-optic cables 14 that are exposedthrough the openings 18 to illuminate the dancing pole 10.Alternatively, the fiber-optic cables 14 may be placed around theexterior surface of the center spine unit 12. The fiber-optic cable 14will generally wrap around the center spine unit 12 and along the lengthof the center spine unit 12.

A fiber-optic support sleeve 19 may be coupled to an interior section ofthe center spine unit 12. The fiber-optic support is sleeve 19 is ananti-burr device. The fiber-optic support sleeve 19 is used to ensurethat the fiber-optic cables 14 do not rub against any rough sections ofthe center spine unit 12 there by preventing damage to the fiber-opticcables 14.

A plurality of holding devices 20 are used in order to secure thefiber-optic cables 14 to the exterior surface of the center spine unit12. In the above embodiment where each of the fiber-optic cables 14 areplaced in the hollow interior of the center spine unit 12 and exitthrough one plurality of openings 18, the holding device 20 arepositioned around each opening 18. The holding device 20 will secure theend of the fiber-optic cable 14 around the opening 18 so that thefiber-optic cable 14 will illuminate the dancing pole 10. In thisembodiment, the holding device 20 may be a ring member which will holdthe end of each of the fiber-optic cable 14 through each of theplurality of openings 18. In order to provide a more aestheticallypleasing appearance to the dancing pole 10, the holding devices 20should be relatively small and made of a transparent material. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the holdingdevices 20 may be a cast polyurethane or epoxy ring. An aluminum foiltape may be also be used as the holding device 20.

Where the fiber-optic cable 14 is wrapped around the center spine unit12 and along the length of the center spine unit 12, an adhesive may beused as the holding device 20 to secure the fiber-optic cable 14 aroundthe center spine unit 12. Alternatively, hooks or other types ofconnecters may be used to secure the fiber-optic cable 14 around thecenter spine unit 12. The holding devices 20 may be spaced in anydesired pattern. The spacing of the holding devices 20 will determinethe light pattern for the dancing pole 10.

An outer sleeve 22 may placed over the center spine unit 12 andfiber-optic cable 14. The outer sleeve 22 is generally transparent toallow the light from the fiber-optic cable 14 to illuminate the dancingpole 10. The outer sleeve 22 can be made out of any opaque/transparentmaterial. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, anopaque/transparent tubing is used. However, other types ofopaque/transparent covers may be used.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a protectivesubstrate 24 is placed over the exposed portions of the fiber-opticcable 14. The protective substrate 24 is positioned between the outersleeve 22 and the center spine unit 12. The protective substrate 24provides structural support between the outer sleeve 22 and the centerspine unit 12 so that the outer sleeve 22 snuggly fits around the centerspine unit 12. The protective substrate 24 further protects thefiber-optic cables 14 from damage. The protective substrate 24 isgenerally a transparent resin that is placed over the exposed portionsof the fiber-optic cable 14. The transparent resin may be dyed aspecific color to meet specific application requirements. In general, acast polyurethane or epoxy resin material is used as the protectivesubstrate 24. However, the above are given as examples. Other materialsmay be used for the protective substrate without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

In order to install the dancing pole 10, the dancing pole 10 will havean upper mounting ring 26 and a lower mounting ring 28 coupled to thecenter spine unit 12. The upper and lower mounting rings 26 and 28provide mounting and structural support for the dancing pole 10. Ingeneral, the upper and lower mounting rings 26 and 28 will help to mountthe dancing pole 10 in a proper vertical position in a room, stage, orthe like. The upper and lower mounting rings 26 and 28 are generallymade from the same material as the center spine unit 12. In accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention, the upper and lowermounting rings 26 and 28 are welded to the center spine unit 12.

A covering 30 may be coupled to the upper mounting ring 26 and the lowermounting ring 28. The covering 30 is a ring member which is placedaround the outer sleeve 22 and coupled to the upper mounting ring 26 anda lower mounting ring 28. The covering 30 is used to conceal the top andbottom areas of the dancing pole to hide the mounting plates used toinstall the dancing pole 10.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein like numerals and symbols representlike elements, a second embodiment of the dancing pole 10′ is shown. Thedancing pole 10′ is similar to the embodiment disclosed in FIGS. 1 and2. The main difference is that the dancing pole 10′ can rotate.

The dancing pole 10′ is comprised of a center spine unit 12. The centerspine unit 12 is an elongated pole having a hollow interior. The centerspine unit 12 provides the structural support for the dancing pole 10′.The center spine unit 12 is made of a lightweight but sturdy material.In general, the center spine unit 12 is comprised of a metal such asaluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, or the like. The listing of theabove is given as an example and should not be seen as to limit thescope of the present invention.

One or more fiber-optic cables 14 are coupled to the center spine unit12. The fiber-optic cables 14 are used to illuminate the dancing pole10′. As shown in FIG. 3, each fiber-optic cable 14 is comprised of atubing 14A. The tubing 14A is generally made out of glass orPolymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA), which is a clear plastic used as ashatterproof replacement for glass. One end of the fiber-optic cable 14is coupled to a light source 16. The fiber-optic cable 14 will transmita light signal from the light source from one end of the fiber-opticcable 14 to another in order to illuminate the outer surface of thedancing pole 10′. The light signal travels through the interior core 14Bof the fiber-optic cable 14 by constantly bouncing from cladding 14Clining the interior of the interior core 14B. Cladding 14C is areflective lining which causes the light signal to constantly bounce, aprinciple called total internal reflection. Since the cladding 14C doesnot absorb any light from the interior core 14B, the light signal cantravel great distances.

Referring back to FIGS. 4 and 5, the fiber-optic cables 14 may bemounted to the center spine unit 12 in a number of different manners. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fiber-opticcables 14 are placed in the hollow interior of the center spine unit 12.A plurality of openings 18 is formed in the exterior surface of thecenter spine unit 12. An end of one of the fiber-optic cables 14 will beplaced through each of the plurality of openings 18. The light signalwill travel to each end of the fiber-optic cables 14 that are exposedthrough the openings 18 to illuminate the dancing pole 10′.Alternatively, the fiber-optic cables 14 may be placed around theexterior surface of the center spine unit 12. The fiber-optic cable 14will generally wrap around the center spine unit 12 and along the lengthof the center spine unit 12.

A fiber-optic support sleeve 19 may be coupled to an interior section ofthe center spine unit 12. The fiber-optic support sleeve 19 is ananti-burr device. The fiber-optic support sleeve 19 is used to ensurethat the fiber-optic cables 14 do not rub against any rough sections ofthe center spine unit 12 there by preventing damage to the fiber-opticcables 14.

A plurality of holding devices 20 are used in order to secure thefiber-optic cables 14 to the exterior surface of the center spine unit12. In the above embodiment where each of the fiber-optic cables 14 areplaced in the hollow interior of the center spine unit 12 and exitthrough one plurality of openings 18, the holding device 20 arepositioned around each opening 18. The holding device 20 will secure theend of the fiber-optic cable 14 around the opening 18 so that thefiber-optic cable 14 will illuminate the dancing pole 10′. In thisembodiment, the holding device 20 may be a ring member which will holdthe end of each of the fiber-optic cable 14 through each of theplurality of openings 18. In order to provide a more aestheticallypleasing appearance to the dancing pole 10′, the holding devices 20should be relatively small and made of a transparent material. Inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the holdingdevices 20 may be a cast polyurethane or epoxy ring. An aluminum foiltape may be also be used as the holding device 20.

Where the fiber-optic cable 14 is wrapped around the center spine unit12 and along the length of the center spine unit 12, an adhesive may beused as the holding device 20 to secure the fiber-optic cable 14 aroundthe center spine unit 12. Alternatively, hooks or other types ofconnecters may be used to secure the fiber-optic cable 14 around thecenter spine unit 12. The holding devices 20 may be spaced in anydesired pattern. The spacing of the holding devices 20 will determinethe light pattern for the dancing pole 10′.

An outer sleeve 22 is placed over the center spine unit 12 andfiber-optic cable 14. The outer sleeve 22 is generally transparent toallow the light from the fiber-optic cable 14 to illuminate the dancingpole 10′. The outer sleeve 22 can be made out of any opaque/transparentmaterial. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, anopaque/transparent tubing is used. However, other types ofopaque/transparent covers may be used.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a protectivesubstrate 24 is placed over the exposed portions of the fiber-opticcable 14. The protective substrate 24 is positioned between the outersleeve 22 and the center spine unit 12. The protective substrate 24provides structural support between the outer sleeve 22 and the centerspine unit 12 so that the outer sleeve 22 snuggly fits around the centerspine unit 12. The protective substrate 24 further protects thefiber-optic cables 14 from damage. The protective substrate 24 isgenerally a transparent resin that is placed over the exposed portionsof the fiber-optic cable 14. The transparent resin may be dyed aspecific color to meet specific application requirements. In general, acast polyurethane or epoxy resin material is used as the protectivesubstrate 24. However, the above are given as examples. Other materialsmay be used for the protective substrate without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

In order to install the dancing pole 10′, the dancing pole 10′ will havean upper ring bearing 32 and a lower ring bearing 34 coupled to thecenter spine unit 12. The upper and lower ring bearings 32 and 34provide mounting and structural support for the dancing pole 10′. Ingeneral, the upper and lower ring bearings 32 and 34 will help to mountthe dancing pole 10′ in a proper vertical position in a room, stage, orthe like. The upper and lower ring bearings 32 and 34 further allow thedancing pole 10′ to spin in a clockwise and/or counterclockwisedirection. The upper and lower ring bearings 32 and 34 are design tohave minimal friction to allow the dancing pole 10′ to spin freely.

A covering 30 may be coupled to an upper mounting bearing 32 and a lowermounting bearing 34. The covering 30 is a ring member which is placedaround the outer sleeve 22 and coupled to the upper mounting bearing 32and the lower mounting bearing 34. The covering 30 is used to concealthe top and bottom areas of the dancing pole 10′ to hide the mountingplates used to install the dancing pole 10′.

This disclosure provides exemplary embodiments of the present invention.The scope of the present invention is not limited by these exemplaryembodiments. Numerous variations, whether explicitly provided for by thespecification or implied by the specification, such as variations instructure, dimension, type of material and manufacturing process may beimplemented by one of skill in the art in view of this disclosure.

1. A dancing pole comprising: a center spine unit; at least onefiber-optic cable coupled to the center spine unit to illuminate thedancing pole; an outer sleeve placed over the center spine unit and theat least one fiber-optic cable, the outer sleeve being transparent toallow the light from the at least one fiber-optic cable to illuminatethe dancing pole; and mounting rings coupled to an upper and lowersection of the center spine unit to provide mounting and structuralsupport for the dancing pole.
 2. A dancing pole in accordance with claim1 further comprising a protective substrate placed over exposed portionsof the at least one fiber-optic cable, the protective substratepositioned between the outer sleeve and the center spine unit.
 3. Adancing pole in accordance with claim 2 wherein the protective substrateprovides structural support between the outer sleeve and the centerspine unit.
 4. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 2 wherein theprotective substrate protects the at least one fiber-optic cable.
 5. Adancing pole in accordance with claim 2 wherein the protective substrateis dyed a specific color to meet a desired application requirement.
 6. Adancing pole in accordance with claim 2 wherein the protective substrateis one of a cast polyurethane material or epoxy resin material.
 7. Adancing pole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a pluralityof openings formed in the center spine, wherein each of the at least onefiber-optic cable is placed in a hollow interior of the center spineunit and exit through one of the plurality of openings.
 8. A dancingpole in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality ofholding devices to secure the at least one fiber-optic cable to theexterior surface of the center spine unit.
 9. A dancing pole inaccordance with claim 7 further comprising a plurality of holdingdevices wherein one holding device is positioned around each of theplurality of openings to secure one end of each of the at least onefiber-optic cable to each opening.
 10. A dancing pole in accordance withclaim 1 further comprising a fiber-optic support sleeve coupled to aninterior section of the center spine unit to protect the at least onefiber-optic cable from damage.
 11. A dancing pole in accordance withclaim 1 further comprising a covering coupled to the mounting rings andthe outer sleeve to conceal the top and bottom areas of the dancing poleand to hide mounting plates used to install the dancing pole.
 12. Adancing pole in accordance with claim 1 wherein the mounting ringscoupled to an upper and lower section of the center spine unit aremounting bearing rings that provide mounting and structural support andallow the dancing pole to spin.
 13. A dancing pole comprising: a centerspine unit; a plurality of fiber-optic cables coupled to the centerspine unit to illuminate the dancing pole; an outer sleeve placed overthe center spine unit and the fiber-optic cables, the outer sleeve beingtransparent to allow the light from the fiber-optic cables to illuminatethe dancing pole; a protective substrate placed over exposed portions ofthe fiber-optic cables, the protective substrate positioned between theouter sleeve and the center spine unit; a plurality of holding devicesto secure the fiber-optic cables to the exterior surface of the centerspine unit; and mounting rings coupled to an upper and lower section ofthe center spine unit to provide mounting and structural support for thedancing pole.
 14. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 13 wherein theprotective substrate provides structural support between the outersleeve and the center spine unit and protects the fiber-optic cables.15. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 13 further comprising aplurality of openings formed in the center spine, wherein each of thefiber-optic cables are placed in a hollow interior of the center spineunit and exit through one of the plurality of openings.
 16. A dancingpole in accordance with claim 15 wherein one holding device ispositioned around each of the plurality of openings to secure one end ofeach fiber-optic cable to each opening.
 17. A dancing pole in accordancewith claim 13 further comprising a fiber-optic support sleeve coupled toan interior section of the center spine unit to protect the fiber-opticcables from damage.
 18. A dancing pole in accordance with claim 13further comprising a covering coupled to the mounting rings and theouter sleeve to conceal the top and bottom areas of the dancing pole andto hide mounting plates used to install the dancing pole.
 19. A dancingpole in accordance with claim 13 wherein the mounting rings coupled toan upper and lower section of the center spine unit are mounting bearingrings that provide mounting and structural support and allow the dancingpole to spin.
 20. A dancing pole comprising: a center spine unit havinga plurality of openings; at least one fiber-optic cable placed in aninterior section of the center spine unit, the at least one fiber-opticcable flush mounted to one of the plurality of openings to illuminatethe dancing pole; and mounting rings coupled to an upper and lowersection of the center spine unit to provide mounting and structuralsupport for the dancing pole.